Erbium laser resurfacing is one of the ways the clinic can address uneven texture, fine lines and scarring. Here is how it works, who it may suit and what to expect, so you can make an informed decision with your practitioner.
Quick answer
Er:YAG 2940 laser, often called erbium laser, is an ablative resurfacing treatment. Its 2940 nm wavelength is strongly absorbed by water in the skin, which allows precise resurfacing. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for uneven texture, fine lines, sun-related ageing, enlarged pores and selected scarring, following a consultation.
Er:YAG stands for erbium:YAG, a type of ablative laser that works at a wavelength of 2940 nm. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by removing very fine amounts of tissue in a controlled way.
The clinic's Er:YAG system has fractional, cellular and scanning capabilities. This gives your practitioner more than one way of treating the skin, depending on your concern. It is one of two advanced resurfacing lasers at the clinic, alongside CO2.
The 2940 nm wavelength is strongly absorbed by water, which is present throughout the skin. This allows precise ablation, so tissue can be resurfaced with a high degree of control.
The way the laser pulses are delivered affects the balance between removing tissue and producing heat in the surrounding skin. Your practitioner chooses that balance for your skin and your concern. These settings are clinical decisions, not something that can be recommended in general terms.
As the skin repairs after treatment, its surface is renewed. How much improvement you see varies from person to person.
Er:YAG laser may be considered for the concerns below. Your practitioner will confirm at consultation whether it is the most suitable route for you.
Er:YAG can suit people looking to refine texture, soften fine lines or improve the look of scarring. It is not automatically gentler or safer than other options: how your skin responds depends on the settings used and on you as an individual.
At your consultation your practitioner assesses your skin, medical history and goals. They will explain whether Er:YAG, CO2 laser, RF microneedling, Thulium laser or a chemical peel programme is the better fit for you.
Your treatment begins with a consultation to assess your skin and agree a plan. You will be told how to prepare, and how comfort will be managed on the day.
At your appointment the laser is applied across the treatment area using the mode and settings chosen for your skin. Your aftercare is explained before you leave.
As an ablative treatment, Er:YAG needs some recovery time. How much depends on the approach used and how your skin heals, so we do not quote a fixed downtime. Your practitioner will explain what to expect for your plan.
Aftercare is explained in person and given to you in writing. The key principles are:
Er:YAG and CO2 are both ablative resurfacing lasers, but they behave differently in the skin and should not be thought of as identical. Neither is better for everyone: the right choice depends on your concern and your skin.
Every skin responds differently to resurfacing, so we do not promise a set outcome. Your practitioner will explain what realistic improvement could look like for you.
Where we show before and after photographs, they are of real clients, not stock or manufacturer images.
The cost of Er:YAG laser resurfacing depends on the area treated and the plan agreed at your consultation. Current prices are on our prices page, and the cost of your plan is confirmed with you before treatment.
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about Er:YAG resurfacing. Anything not covered here can be discussed at your consultation.
These pages cover the other resurfacing and skin options your practitioner may compare with Er:YAG.
| Feature | Er:YAG laser | CO2 fractional laser |
|---|---|---|
| Type of laser | Ablative resurfacing | Ablative fractional resurfacing |
| Wavelength | 2940 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Absorption by water | Stronger | Less strong than Er:YAG |
| Residual heat effect | Can be less, depending on settings | Generally more than Er:YAG |
| Modes on the clinic's system | Fractional, cellular and scanning | Fractional |
| Main uses | Texture, fine lines, photoageing, pores and selected scarring | Lines, acne scarring, texture, pores, photoageing and selected scars |
Er:YAG 2940 is an ablative erbium laser used for skin resurfacing. Its wavelength is strongly absorbed by water in the skin, which allows precise, controlled resurfacing. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for texture, fine lines, sun-related ageing, pores and selected scarring, after a consultation to confirm it suits you. It is one of the clinic's two ablative resurfacing lasers, alongside CO2.
Sensation varies with the area treated, the approach used and your own comfort levels. Your practitioner will explain what the treatment is likely to feel like for you and how comfort is managed. Raise any worries at your consultation so they can be planned for. As an ablative treatment, it is more involved than a routine facial.
That depends on your concern, your skin and how it responds, so there is no set number. Your practitioner will recommend an approach after assessing your skin and will review your progress with you as you go. Every skin responds differently, so we do not promise a set outcome, and if another approach would suit you better your practitioner will say so.
Yes, some recovery time should be expected, because Er:YAG is an ablative treatment. The length and nature of it depend on the settings used and how your skin heals, so we do not give a fixed figure. You will know what to expect for your plan before you book. Aftercare centres on sun protection and letting the skin heal without picking.
Er:YAG is not right for everyone, and it should not be assumed to be the gentler choice for every skin. Your practitioner reviews your medical history, medications, skin type, recent sun exposure and goals before recommending it. If another route would suit you better, such as RF microneedling or a peel programme, they will explain why.
The price depends on the area being treated and the plan agreed with your practitioner. Current prices are shown on our prices page, and your full plan cost is confirmed at your consultation in Lancaster before you book. The plan you are given is specific to your skin and your concern.
Tell us your goals. We'll tell you exactly what's possible and build a plan to get you there.
